CH 67

After browsing through several books at the bookstore and having Dennis carry our luggage, we returned to the Duke family mansion. We still had some time. I didn’t plan on attending any gatherings today.

“Shall we go to a small guest room somewhere? Dennis, tell the servants to prepare a room and tea.”

“Yes, sir.”

As soon as Dennis received her orders, she bowed elegantly and left. As soon as we left the bookstore, she transformed from an ordinary woman to a professional. The gap was so great that I had a headache, but I convinced myself that I would get used to it and ignored the supernatural phenomenon in front of me.

As we walked slowly, I looked around the Duke mansion again. It was like being in a museum, with wonderful things arranged in exquisite positions and colors.

As I looked around absentmindedly while holding onto Jeremiah’s arm, I saw someone ahead. It was definitely Lucia. Moreover, she seemed to be hiding in a decorated jar and looking at someone.

Dora and another one of Lucia’s maids were standing a little away from her.

I regretted looking at who Lucia was looking at without thinking. Even if I tried to pretend I didn’t see anything now, it was too late when Dora turned around and our eyes met.

Dora looked at me with a face that seemed like she had something important to say. I sighed softly and tried to call out to Jeremiah next to me, but he spoke first.

“Is that your cousin and the maids over there?”

“I’d like to think I’m wrong, but it seems so.”

“What are they doing? Your cousin seems to be watching the servants who are doing maintenance on the candlesticks in the hallway…?”

Yes, Lucia was currently staring at the servants who were doing maintenance on the candlesticks in the hallway. And if my guess was correct, that was the infamous servant.

The handsome aura emanating from his red hair and appearance was unmistakable.

“That’s right—oh, Dora’s coming this way.”

Dora, who seemed impatient with my reluctance to approach her, walked up to me with a triumphant look on her face.

“Welcome back, Lorraine-sama. As you instructed, I kept an eye on Lucia-sama.”

Since I had been asked to serve as a chaperone, I could not let Lucia out of my sight. However, I asked Dora to be her temporary chaperone, if only for a short while.

I asked hesitantly.

“Um, was there anything unusual?”

“Yes, Lucia-sama relentlessly chased after that servant and watched him, sometimes blushing and fidgeting when he spoke to her, but she behaved appropriately as a lady.”

Wait a minute, I don’t feel any lady-like behavior at all. Besides, there was a strange smell.

With a grimace on my face, I shifted my gaze from Dora to Lucia and let out a small groan.

Those melting eyes, cheeks dyed rose-colored. The sighs that escaped from her slightly parted lips were entrancing. There was no mistaking it…

“Um, for now, we don’t need a chaperone anymore, so could you go back?”

“Yes, understood. Then, I’ll go back to choosing a dress to make you look beautiful tonight.

Dora bowed and hurried down the hallway. I wished she wouldn’t try so hard since I wasn’t going anywhere, but I quickly gave up on that idea.

Besides, it was better to be with Jeremiah if we were going to be together. While I looked good when dressed up, my plain face made me look somewhat childish without any makeup.

Therefore, if I was next to the high-spec handsome Jeremiah, I would disappear without any presence if I didn’t dress up.

I know he still doesn’t like being surrounded by women, so it’s more useful to stand out and act as a bug repellent.

So, I gave up on being inconspicuous.

Of course, I’m afraid of many things in my heart.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

A voice came from beside me. I couldn’t help but look away. I couldn’t imitate the advice of “looking forward to it” or “you can expect it” in response to that line.

After all, I still lack confidence in myself.

That’s why I came to the Duke’s mansion to improve myself even a little bit.

I didn’t know how to respond, so I turned my gaze to the maid who was standing behind Lucia, looking flustered. The maid was looking back and forth between us and Lucia, seeking help.

Anyway, I had to do something about Lucia.

As a servant, she couldn’t be too forceful with her master. So, I called out to her for the time being.

“What are you doing there, Lucia?”

Then, Lucia slowly turned around and blinked her eyes a few times as if she had just noticed our presence. I screamed inside my head. She was exactly like a dreamy little girl.

Although her clothing was plain, unlike me, Lucia was a beautiful girl who just radiated beauty. And if she made such an expression, imagine what kind of scene would unfold.

“Oh, Lorraine-oneesama. You’ve returned.”

“Yes, but more importantly, what are you doing here? Let’s go back to the room since it’s getting cold.”

“But…”

Lucia looked regretful as she glanced at the servant, but I pretended not to notice and said anyway.

“I can’t leave you here alone, so let’s go together. Besides, we need to prepare for the night and you don’t want to trouble the servants, right? Oh, and let’s have tea together later. I’m already preparing it.”

“…Yes.”

Reluctantly, Lucia nodded.

Her expression clearly showed that she didn’t want to go, but she stood up with heavy steps and came closer to me. After confirming that, I let out a sigh of relief.